Car accident - damage might be > value of car...what's my play?

[Klompy]

If the repairs would cost more then the value of the car they'll declare it totaled and give you the value of your car. In theory this shouldn't screw you at all because you should be able to find the exact same car for the money that they give you.

Using your own money to repair your car if it's totaled would be pretty dumb unless it's a very small amount or if the car has some sort of sentimental value to you.